Anthracene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of three fused benzene rings. The word "anthracene" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈænθrəˌsiːn/. The "a" is pronounced as "æ" like in the word "cat". The "th" is pronounced as "θ" like in the word "thin". The "c" is pronounced as "k" like in the word "cat". The "e" is pronounced as "iː" like in the word "see". The "n" is pronounced as "n" like in the word "none".
Anthracene is a crystalline aromatic hydrocarbon that is derived from coal tar. It is a polycyclic aromatic compound consisting of three fused benzene rings, arranged in a linear, tricyclic structure. Anthracene is also known as tricyclo[9.3.1.1³,⁷]hexadeca-1(15),3,5,7,9,11,13-heptaene.
With a chemical formula of C14H10, anthracene has a molecular weight of 178.23 grams per mole. It is colorless, but upon exposure to light, it gradually changes to a yellow color. It has a melting point of around 216°C and a boiling point of approximately 340°C.
Anthracene is insoluble in water, but it is soluble in organic solvents like benzene, toluene, and carbon disulfide. It has a distinctive aromatic odor and is highly flammable.
Anthracene finds applications in various fields due to its unique properties. It is used as a starting material in the manufacturing of dyes, especially for the production of red and violet shades. It can also be employed as a fluorescent tracer in scientific research and as a scintillator in radiation detectors. Additionally, anthracene is utilized in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, insecticides, and other organic compounds.
Despite its numerous uses, anthracene is of environmental concern due to its toxic properties. It is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, and prolonged exposure may cause irritation to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Anthracene is also considered to be potentially carcinogenic.
A hydrocarbon, C14H10, obtained from coal-tar; the alizarin dyes are manufactured from it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Anthracene" is derived from the Greek words "anthrax" and "ene".
"Anthrax" means "coal" or "charcoal" in Greek, referring to the black, carbonaceous nature of the substance. On the other hand, "ene" is a common suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a hydrocarbon compound with a double bond between two of its carbon atoms.
So, the name "anthracene" essentially means a hydrocarbon compound with coal-like characteristics. This is fitting since anthracene is a solid, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derived from coal tar.